Residency Program
Charlottesville and the University of VirginiaCharlottesville is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia, approximately ninety miles west of Richmond and within a two-hour-plus drive of northern Virginia and the nation's
capital. Ranked the #1 "Best Small City in the South" by Money Magazine in 1998, Charlottesville is bordered by the scenic Sky Line Drive and the Shenendoah National Forest, and lies in the heart of horse country. Recreational opportunities abound for persons who enjoy golf, tennis, camping, hiking, fishing, skiing, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The city also offers a host of cultural and social opportunities which include University and local performing arts groups, renowned lecturers, wine tasting at local area vineyards, and antique shopping.
The area is rich with historic sites. Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819. Mr. Jefferson took great pride in designing the buildings, supervising the construction and planning the curriculum of the University. His famous home, Monticello, sits on a nearby mountain with a view of the beautiful University grounds. Ashlawn-Highland, the home of James Monroe, located near Monticello, features beautiful gardens and furnishings. Within a one to two-hour drive, many other early American historic sites can be seen.
Today, the University of Virginia is ranked the number one state supported university, with nationally recognized programs in the Arts and Sciences, Medicine, Law and Business. Atlantic Coast Conference sports are among the best in the nation. Central Virginia is an area filled with history, and a wealth of recreational and cultural opportunities. Come visit historic Charlottesville and the University of Virginia and enjoy this wealth of educational and cultural resources and outstanding natural beauty.